America saw quite a few celebrity deaths in 2013, and a few of them will be honored in a special tribute during the 2013 Emmys. James Gandolfini and Cory Monteith are two of the five individuals who will receive the special memorial.
From the Emmy Awards website:
This year’s Emmy Awards will feature the traditional In Memoriam segment that has become an industry award show staple, and in addition, the telecast producers have selected five individuals who warrant special recognition. To honor them, close friends and co-workers have been invited to provide personal tributes which will be presented during the ceremony…
James Gandolfini (1961-2013)
Many people were shocked to hear of Gandolfini’s passing over the summer. The actor died at the age of 51 and was best known for his role as mobster/family guy Tony Soprano. “The Sopranos” lasted for six seasons on HBO, and Gandolfini won three Emmy Awards for his portrayal as the mobster with a mental disorder.
Gandolfini died of a heart attack while on vacation in Rome, Italy on June 19. His 13-year-old son Michael discovered him in the bathroom of the hotel they were staying in and contacted paramedics, but Gandolfini was announced dead shortly after arriving at the hospital. Gandolfini’s on-screen wife, actress Edie Falco, will present his special tribute.
Cory Monteith (1982-2013)
Canadian Cory Monteith was known for his role Finn Hudson on the FOX show “Glee.” Monteith died in July of a drug overdose at 31, just months after he went through rehab. The young actor won a 2011 Teen Choice Award for his performance as Finn. Jane Lynch, Monteith’s former “Glee” co-star, will deliver his tribute during the Emmys.
The other three individuals who will be remembered during the special tribute are “Family Ties” producer Gary David Goldberg, “All in the Family” cast member Jean Stapleton and “Mork and Mindy” actor Jonathan Winters.
The 65th Emmy Awards will air on Sunday, September 22 at 8:00 ET on CBS. See a complete list of nominations here.